Sony releases Xperia flash tool in beta, lets unlocked devices return to stock ROMs

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/sony-xperia-flash-tool-beta-unlocked-devices/)

There's no denying that of all the Android OEMs, [Sony's](http://www.engadget.com/tag/Sony/) the most consumer-friendly. With a track record encompassing [consistent and transparent software updates](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/19/sony-to-start-xperia-upgrades-to-jelly-bean-by-mid-q1/), easily [unlocked bootloaders](http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/sony-ericssons-android-bootloader-unlocking-site-goes-live-mod/), a [former flagship](http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/sony-xperia-s-review/) that's been [in](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/04/sony-posts-binaries-to-back-googlers-aosp-project-for-xperia-s/) and [out of AOSP](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/09/sony-xperia-s-android-open-source-project/) and now this -- an Xperia flash tool -- the company's on a roll. Released today on the mobile outfit's developer site, the beta tool allows Xperia users with unlocked bootloaders to revert _back_ to Sony's lightly-skinned stock ROMs. Currently, only the Xperia S, arc and arc S are supported, but work is underway to include additional handsets. If you're rocking a compatible phone, the process is as simple as downloading the program from its dev portal, connecting your device, selecting the available "services" (read: Xperia ROMs), flashing your ROM of choice and then rebooting. Easy enough, no? For a brief video walkthrough, head on past the break.

[Thanks, Nabeel Ahmed]

[Continue reading _Sony releases Xperia flash tool in beta, lets unlocked devices return to stock ROMs_](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/sony-xperia-flash-tool-beta-unlocked-devices/)

Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Sony](http://www.engadget.com/category/sony/)

**[Comments](http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/sony-xperia-flash-tool-beta-unlocked-devices/#comments)**

**Source:** [Sony Mobile](http://developer.sonymobile.com/2012/12/06/new-flash-tool-from-sony-for-unlocked-xperia-smartphones-video-beta-download/)

URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/sony-xperia-flash-tool-beta-unlocked-devices/